DETECTIVE FICTION Lesson #1

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1 DETECTIVE FICTION Lesson #1Detective fiction is one of the most popular types of the mystery genre among both children and adults. Detective Fiction is a puzzle that must be solved like a mathematical equation, a musical score, or a scientific experiment. According to P.D. James, a contemporary mystery writer,the classic detective story usually involves a mysterious death. There is a closed circle of suspects, and each suspect must have a credible motive as well as a reasonable opportunity for committing the crime. In addition, the central character is a detective who eventually solves the mystery by logical deduction from facts fairly presented to the reader (Mysteries 6). This classic structure has been the springboard for hundreds of variations on the form. By placing the clues into the mathematical equation, playing them like a musical score, and moving through them methodically, like a scientist would do, you too can play detective while reading a detective fiction novel.

2 Project Due at the End of the Unit:Let’s jump ahead so that you know where we’re headed. (Don’t panic, we’ll return to Square 1.) The culminating project of this unit will be a “Detective’s Handbook” based on the mystery novel you’ve chosen. You have received a handout and rubric, so let’s review them now.1. Cover2. Foreword3. Table of Contents4. Expository entry about sleuth’s character traits5. Expository entry about nature of mystery6. Descriptive entry about the crime scene7. Expository character sketch about sleuth’s sidekick8. “Wanted” poster of prime suspect9. Detective’s Log10. Expository entry about clues that lead to the solution of the mystery11. Persuasive Letter to the Chief of Police proving the suspect’s motive, means, and opportunity

3 Quick Quiz #1Either by yourself, or in a group of no more than 3 students, answer the following on a sheet of paper. (You have 3 minutes—the person/group with the most correctly defined synonyms wins a ticket.)1. What does the word sleuth mean?2. List as many synonyms for “sleuth” as you can think of.

4 Definitions to Learn and to Use in Your WritingPeople1. Sleuth: “private eye”/private investigator/detective investigating the case2. Sidekick: ”helper,” person/animal who helps detective investigate the crime3. Victim: person to whom the crime happened4. Snitch: person who tells on someone else5. Suspect: a person who may be involved in the crime6. Witness: someone who saw what happened7. Culprit: person who committed or assists in the crime8. Fugitive: person running from the law9. Secondary Source: witness who has information s/he heard fromsomeone else

5 Definitions to Learn and to Use in Your Writing (cont.)Technical Terms10. Crime: illegal act that is committed11. Clues: pieces of the puzzle that help solve the mystery12. Lead: information or clues concerning the case13. Interrogate: to ask questions related to the crime14. Alibi: proof that a suspect was nowhere near the crime15. Evidence: something that helps prove who the criminal is16. Deduction: using the facts to infer a conclusion

7 A red herring is a false clue or leadA red herring is a false clue or lead. The phrase means “camouflage” and comes from the process of curing a herring (type of fish). When a herring is salted and smoked slowly over a wood fire, it turns a dark reddish brown color and gains a strong flavor and scent. The smell is so strong that it overwhelms other scents. According to some old tales, red herrings were pulled across the trail of hounds to confuse and throw them off the trail. Sometimes writers of detective fiction deliberately “fake-out” readers by planting misleading clues—known as red herrings.

8 Elements of a MysteryA crimeVariety of charactersCluesSuspense and tensionSolution

10 Appearances Can Be DeceivingLesson #2Appearances Can Be DeceivingA detective’s appearance can have a major affect on his/her effectiveness on the job. For example, Ironsides, a detective your grandparents will remember from television, was in a wheelchair. Suspects did not think he was a threat because he was physically challenged. Similarly, Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple is an elderly woman. Again, suspects do not find her threatening and tell her things they might not tell the police.

11 So, Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover!While appearances can work both for and against detectives who are solving mysteries, character traits can do the same. Thinking about sleuth Harry Harristeen from the movie, Murder, She Purred, let’s answer the following questions.1. What are Harry’s physical traits?2. List some of Harry’s positive character traits.3. How do these strengths enable Harry to be agood detective?

12 4. List some of Harry’s negative character traits.5. How do these weaknesses hurt Harry’s detectingcapabilities?6. Which of Harry’s character traits can be eitherstrengths or weaknesses depending on the situation?7. How do these strengths and/or weaknessescontribute to the successes and failures Harryencounters while trying to solve the mystery?

13 Statement: Reason: Example #1: Explanation #1: Example #2:Let’s practice writing together first! (We’re going to use Rick Shelton’s method of expository writing cake learned in class.)Statement:Tell what it is you are going to explain. This is what youused to call a topic sentence.Reason:Explain why your topic is important.Give an example, from the movie, that shows your topicsentence to be true.Example #1:Tie example #1 back to your reason to show whythe reason is valid.Explanation #1:Give another example, from the movie, that shows yourtopic sentence to be true.Example #2:Tie example #2 back to your reason to show whythe reason is valid.Explanation #2:“What difference does it make?” or “Who cares?”Explain the big picture in a way that ties your entireparagraph together.WDDIM?:

14 Statement: Reason: Example #1: Explanation #1: Example #2:In what way do your sleuth’s character traits contribute to his/her strengths/weaknesses as a crime-solver?Statement:Harry Harristeen is a fictional character with traits that contribute to her crime-solving abilities.Reason:It is the very human combination of weakness and strength that make her the perfect detective for this movie.Example #1:For example, Harry is distrustful of men since her painful divorce from her ex-husband, Fair.It is this distrust that makes her suspect that her new neighbor, Blair, is the murderer. This character weakness, based on life experience, adds to the mystery by adding another suspect to Harry’s list.Explanation #1:Example #2:On the other hand, Harry’s perseverance forces her to continue searchingfor the murderer, despite the obvious attempts by the killer to stop her.Perseverance, a positive character trait, allows the viewer to acceptHarry’s weaknesses by forcing them to admire her as a person. As thedetective, Harry must have the audience’s support in order for the storyto be well-received.Explanation #2:WDDIM?:In conclusion, Harry Harristeen is a successful crime solver because herstrengths and weaknesses allows us to consider her a “friend.” Weunderstand her weaknesses and admire her strengths.

15 Here is what your completed entry will look like when it’s all put together:Harry Harristeen is a fictional character with traits that contribute to her crime-solving abilities. It is the very human combination of weakness and strength that make her the perfect detective for this movie. For example, Harry is distrustful of men since her painful divorce from her ex-husband, Fair. It is this distrust that makes her suspect that her new neighbor, Blair, is the murderer. This character weakness, based on life experience, adds to the mystery by adding another suspect to Harry’s list. On the other hand, Harry’s perseverance forces her to continue searching for the murderer, despite the obvious attempts by the killer to stop her. Perseverance, a positive character trait, allows the viewer to accept Harry’s weaknesses by forcing them to admire her as a person. As the detective, Harry must have the audience’s support in order for the story to be well-received. In conclusion, Harry Harristeen is a successful crime solver because her strengths and weaknesses allows us to consider her a “friend.” We understand her weaknesses and admire her strengths.

16 Now it’s your turn! Remember the object of this exercise is to write Detective’s Handbook Entry #1 based on the following:In what way do your sleuth’s character traits contribute to his/her strengths/weaknesses as a crime-solver?Notes:You do not have to be very far into your book to write this entry. Initial impressions are fine.Your rough draft and prewriting tool are due tomorrow.

18 Lesson #3Some sleuths receive assistance from sidekicks who are either paid helpers or friends who help. These sidekicks serve as “sounding boards” for the sleuth to explain how certain bits of detection are done. If the sleuth is not, in some way, connected to law enforcement, one of these characters usually is. The sidekick is sometimes a pet or an animal.Quick Quiz #3On a separate piece of paper, list as many sleuths who have sidekicks you can think of. The person with the most pairs or groups, wins a ticket.

19 Scooby Doo, Where Are You?Sometimes sleuths work in pairs or in groups.For example, Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmeshas a partner in Dr. Watson. Similarly, the ScoobyDoo gang has five very different personalities to solve mysteries. As in Murder She Purred, the Scooby Doo gang of detectives has a personified animal in their midst. Scooby, the dog, is the sidekick who aids in the solving of the mysteries for “the gang,” just like Mrs. Murphy & Tee Tucker aid Harry in solving mysteries.

20 You are the company you keep!We will now begin work on expository Handbook Entry #4. In this entry, you must complete a character sketch about the human or animal sidekick(s) in your mystery novel. To get started, answer the following questions; then complete the graphic organizer character sketch.1. Who are the sidekicks in Murder, She Purred?2. How does each one help Harry solve the crime?3. Not only do the sidekicks help Harry, but theyalso serve a purpose for the audience. What is it?4. Explain the answers to 1-3 in expository entry#4.Let’s write together first!

23 Villains Quick Quiz #4 Sleuths may face the same opponent manyLesson #4VillainsQuick Quiz #4Sleuths may face the same opponent manytimes or a different one each time. Take, for example,the villain in Murder, She Purred. Working witha partner, or by yourself, complete the following. Themost complete—and correct—answer wins a ticket.1. Character traits—what makes this villain apersonality or character?2. List the character traits that contribute to thisvillain’s strengths.3. List the character traits that contribute to thisvillain’s weaknesses.4. What does the villain value most? Why?

24 Mission: Possible Include the following:Your mission—and you must accept it—is to create a “Wanted” poster for the villain in your novel.Include the following:a picture/illustration of the suspect (large enough to be seen from a distance)suspect’s name and alias, if applicablephysical description of the suspectthe offense of which the villain is accusedthe trouble the offense has causedwhere the suspect was last seenwarnings the public should be aware ofwhom to call with informationa reward consistent with the nature of the crime(Examples from last year are posted around the room.)

25 WANTED! Fitz FitzsimmonsFor stealing the identities of the dead, blackmail, attempted murder, and murderHas falsely inherited the money of a dead man, killed Ben after blackmailing him, deceived his wife and mother-in-law, and put Harry Harristeen and her pets in danger.Tall, blond, handsomeLast seen in the company of Mim & Little Mim at Susan’s dinerSuspect is to be considered armed and dangerousIf you have any information, please call the FBI in Crozet, WV at (724)Fitz Fitzsimmons$100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of “Mr. Little Mim.”

26 Detective’s Log Now you create a detective’s log for your sleuth.Lesson #5TODAY’S DATEDetective’s Log8:00am -- Got to work and began sorting mail. Mim arrived for hers and let us know that Rick and Cynthia had gotten a picture of the man whose fingerprints were found on the wheel of Ben Siefert’s car. This is the man who has also been dead for 20 years. Grabbed Miranda Hoggendobber’s yummy apple-thingies and headed for P.D.9:30 -- Bribed Rick and Cynthia to go off their diets by waving Miranda’s apple-thingies under their noses. While the two pigs were eating, (no pun intended), excused myself to go to the bathroom.9:45 -- On my way to the “bathroom,” borrowed dead man’s picture from wall and faxed it to Post Office.9:50 -- Grabbed Miranda’s apple-thingies and beat a hasty retreat back to the post office after hanging the dead man’s picture back on the police department wall.10:05 -- Retrieved fax once back at post office, and posted it on the wall to gauge the reaction of patrons as they came in to pick up their mail. Fed Murphy & Tucker.Now you create a detective’s log for your sleuth.

28 Solving the Mystery Fact Something that cannot be disputedLesson #6Solving the MysteryFactSomething that cannot be disputedBen Siefert is dead.AssumptionA guessBen Siefert was murdered.InferenceA guess based on the factsWhoever murdered Ben Siefert hassomething to hide.DeductionAn educated guessBen Siefert must have threatenedto tell the killer’s secret.

29 Three Rules of Crime SolvingMotiveThe prime suspect must have hada reason to commit the crime.MeansThe prime suspect must have hada way to commit the crime.OpportunityThe prime suspect must have hadthe chance to commit the crime.

30 Clues Fingerprints (dead man’s on steering wheel)Suspicious items (matchbook at deserted farm)Blood/Hair/FabricBody Parts (prosthetic arm found with bullet in it)Personal items (earring found near crime scene)Financial recordsLifestyle changes (Little Mim & Fitz building new house)Telephone callsWhat people say about themselves/others (Fitz hidespast because it’s “painful” to talk about.)Connections between and among people (Fitz came from“nowhere,” but had lots of money and marriedLittle Mim.)

31 Your turn!Write an expository entry which details the cluesyour sleuth followed to the solution to the mystery.This piece is based on cause and effect. Complete theCause/Effect graphic organizer, and write your entryfrom there.Let’s do it together first!

32 Cause Effect 1) Harry saw light at the deserted farmhouse next door.1) Harry found footprints & matchbooks when she went to investigate. Also, a fire had been recently lit in the fireplace. Why?2) New neighbor with suspicious past moves into Foxden. He’s a Yankee with no idea of Southern ways.2) Harry snoops around and finds out that he is a retired psychiatrist who dabbled in serial killers. His girlfriend was murdered. By whom?3) Ben Siefert’s dead body found in his car in Mim’s pond.3) Harry is doubtful that Ben was drunk and drove his car into the pond. Suspicious fingerprints on the steering wheel get her more deeply involved in the investigation. Whose are they?

33 Now let’s write the expository entry that follows theclues of the mystery through its end.Statement:Reason:Cause #1:Effect #1:Cause #2:Effect #2:WDDIM?:

34 Arrest that Man! Quick Quiz #4Lesson #7Arrest that Man!You, (as the sleuth in your novel) must write a persuasive letter to the local chief of police. Your thesis statement will read something like this: “Due to the proof against him, you should arrest Fitz Fitzsimmons immediately!”Quick Quiz #4In addition, you must have three main supports: motive, means, and opportunity. Explain how each can be proved by using textual proof from the book, and make sure you cite the page number, on which the proof is found, within the letter. Use both citation methods—direct quotation and paraphrasing. Part of your textual proof should include the clues found as well as your inferences and logical deductions.

36 Three supports Introduction Thesis Support #1 Detai l #1 Detail #2After careful consideration of the events that occurred in Crozet this past month, I have come to the logical conclusion that your prime suspect in the case is Mr. Fitz Fitzsimmons of Crozet, WV. The clues that were not red herrings led directly to Fitz and contribute to proof of motive, means, and opportunity. Based on the evidence, you should arrest Fitz at once!Motive is the backbone behind any crime, and Fitz had to protect his secret in order to protect his cushy life with Little Mim, as well as his own personal fortune. When Ben Siefert uncovered Fitz’s true identity, Fitz was content to simply blackmail him at first, but when Ben could not longer pay the hush money, Fitz got scared and murdered him. Initially, Fitz caught Ben burning important papers at the deserted Foxden Farm, and tried to kill him there by shooting him. Unfortunately for Fitz, Ben’s prosthetic arm protected him from the bullet and Fitz had to find another way to kill him. So Fitz pretended he wanted to build Little Mim a new house and took Ben to a deserted plot of land under the guise of needing a banker’s opinion. Unsuspecting Ben was then knocked unconscious and put in his car which Fitz pushed in Mim’s lake. Too bad for Fitz he didn’t realize the water wouldn’t wash away his fingerprints on the wheel. Thus the clues prove that Fitz’s fingerprints belong to the man who supposedly died 20 years ago, and it’s obvious that he was trying to hide his real identity.ThesisSupport #1Detail#1Detail #2Logical Conclusion

37 Support #3—opportunitySupport #2—meansSupport #3—opportunityConclusionRestatement of thesisRestatement of three supports withpersonal conclusions drawn in betweenSincerely,Harry HarristeenPostmistress of Crozet, WVSign Here